Apparatus for washing cartons



April 7, 1970 c. M. WING 3,504,390

APPARATUS FOR WASHING CARTONS Filed May 8, 1968 v 2 Sheets-Sheet l 20 t 6' HIHW qJP an 1? -.HM|E|. m 55 6,1 6 56 5 61 5 1 66 I N VEN TOR.

Coat/44 M Il /41a April 7, 1970 c. M. WING 3,504,390

APPARATUS FOR WASHING CARTONS Filed May 8, 1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 STATION STATION STATION STATION STATION FIVE FOUR THREE TWO ONE STATION STATION STATION STATION STATION FIVE FOUR THREE TWO ONE IIJII' H 16% I I ,'II:\'\//:\\\\ 9? m INVENTOR. Goa/44 44 17/416 United States Patent 3,504,390 APPARATUS FOR WASHING CARTONS Cornell M. Wing, 5952 Independence Ave., New Hope, Minn. 55428 Filed May 8, 1968, Ser. No. 727,615 Int. Cl. A471 15/00; B67c 1/08 US. Cl. 15--56 3 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Apparatus for continuously Washing reusable, compartmentalized containers, such as plastic, soft-drink cartons. A self-contained unit is provided. Cartons are continuously fed through the apparatus in spaced relationship three abreast. Detergent containing water is discharged under pressure at a plurality of washing stations along the path of the cartons. The wash water is collected and recirculated. Rinse water is sprayed over the cartons at a rinse station. At each station manifold means is provided to direct a stream of water over the cartons in a pattern conducive to etficient cleaning thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention is in the field of washing objects by conveying them through a plurality of stations and subjecting them to a stream or spray of water and detergent at each station. More particularly, the invention is directed to apparatus for washing cartons which have a plurality of compartments designed to receive and hold soft-drink bottles and the like, with the sides and bottom of the carton being integrally formed from plastic material and having an integral upstanding handle.

The recent development and wide-spread use of reusable compartmentalized plastic cartons, as a container for softdrink bottles, has created a need for an efficient, relatively high-speed apparatus for washing the cartons. Apparatus has been provided, notably in the field of dish washin wherein the objects to be washed are conveyed through a plurality of washing stations and subjected, at each station, to a spray or stream of water and detergent. Conventional dish washing equipment does not, however, meet the peculiar requirements of washing compartmentalized containers of the configuration described above. In order to efi'iciently Wash the inside of each compartment, as well as the vertical sides and ends, the bottom, and the handle, a unique spray pattern and conveying means is required. The present invention provides a unique spray pattern.

It meets the peculiar requirements of washing compartmentalized containers of the type described above, and results in an efficient, high-speed cleaning operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention includes a tunnel-like passageway and conveying means in the passageway. The conveying means is operated at a pre-selected rate of travel and provides for spacing of adjacent cartons to insure efficient cleaning thereof. A liquid reservoir is provided beneath the passage- Way. Pumping means circulates detergent containing water from the reservoir through a series of critically placed discharge nozzles to direct detergent containing liquid against the sides, bottom, and ends of the cartons, as well as into the interior of the compartments. A rinse station is provided at the discharge end of the passageway and rinse water from a separate source is directed against the sides, ends and bottom of the carton as well as into the interior of the compartments by critically arranged rinse manifold means. At the second washing station manifold means is provided in a position parallel to the path of travel of the cartons and adjacent the handles thereof to ice emit a stream of liquid downwardly into the interior of the compartments. At the fourth washing station manifold means is provided in the form of two pairs of upper and lower pipes positioned parallel to the path of travel of the cartons with the upper pipes in each of the pairs positioned below the handles of the cartons to emit streams of detergent containing liquid against opposite vertical sides of the cartons. Brushes are provided to engage the vertical sides of the cartons and provide an abrasive cleansing action as the cartons are conveyed through the passageway. Screening means is provided below the discharge nozzles and downstream from the cartons, but above the liquid reservoir, to catch large dirt particles and other objects washed from the cartons. Curtain means is provided between the rinse station and the washing station as well as at each end of the passageway. The conveyor means may be driven at varying speeds to control throughput and the length of time the cartons are exposed to the washing and rinsing cycles.

The primary object of the invention is to provide selfcontained apparatus for efliciently washing cartons of the type described above.

Another object is to provide apparatus for continuously washing cartons of the type described above at variable speeds in the range of 16-76 cartons per minute.

Another object is to provide apparatus for continuously washing cartons of the type described above wherein an essential pattern of water and detergent is discharged under pressure over the cartons as they are conveyed through successive washing stations.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a side view of the apparatus showing the housing, conveyor means, the conveyor motor, the filter, water pump and motor, and the external plumbing.

FIGURE 2 is a vertical-sectional view taken on the line 22 and shows the carton conveying means including the bottom support rails, the side rails, and the conveyor chain and guide bar.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged view of the conveyor chain, in vertical section, and shows the mounting of the guide bar to the chain.

FIGURE 4 is a top view taken on line 44 of FIG- URE 1 and shows the five stations and the arrangement of the manifold means and discharge nozzles at each of the stations.

FIGURE 5 is a side View, similar to the view of FIG- URE 1, but with the upper portion of the housing side plates removed, to show the five stations, the conveyor means, and the arrangement of the manifold means and discharge nozzles at each of the stations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The general design of the invention can be best understood with reference to FIGURES l and 5. With reference to FIGURE 1, the housing 11 defines a tunnel-like passageway from the carton input end 12 to the carton discharge end 13. Housing 11 is mounted on legs 14 and channels 15. Adjustable screw jacks 16 are threadably engaged with channels 15 to provide for easy leveling of the unit. legs 14 are also adjustable for that purpose. Housing 11 defines a reservoir 17 which extends over the entire lower portion thereof from the point of communication with overfiow pipe 18 to the bottom.

A conveyor means 20 provides for continuous movement of cartons, C, through the passageway from carton inlet end 12 to carton discharge end 13. The conveyor 20 is powered by variable speed motor 21 through variable speed drive gear box 22 and a conventional chain and sprocket connection (not shown). The conveyor system 3 includes three carton lanes, best seen in FIGURE 2. Cartons, C, are conveyed through the passageway three abreast from station to station by guide bars 23.

Water in reservoir 17 is pumped through the circulation system, described more particularly below, and eventually discharged under pressure over the cartons, C, by means of pump and motor 26. Reservoir water enters filter 27, passes through line 28, through pump 25 and then upwardly through main pressure line 29. The water under pressure is eventually discharged at Stations One, Two, Three and Four through discharge nozzles described more particularly below. After passing over the cartons, the water passes through screen and returns to reservoir 17 to be recirculated. A conventional heating coil (not shown) is provided in reservoir 17 to maintain the water therein at a temperature of about 150 degrees F.

Rinse water, from a source distinct from reservoir 17, enters the unit through valve 32, is heated as it passes through a coil (not shown) submerged in reservoir 17, and then passes upwardly through main rinse line 33 and is discharged at Station Five.

The top of housing 11 is provided with a series of covers 35 which, when removed, expose the inside of the passageway. A detergent tank 38 is mounted on the side of housing 11 and includes a discharge line 39 in valve 40 which leads to reservoir 17, for the purpose of adding detergent thereto. A thermometer 42 is provided to indicate the temperature of the water in reservoir 17. A drain 44 communicates with reservoir 17.

Conveyor system The means for conveying cartons through the passage way is best shown in FIGURES 2, 3, and 5. The conveying means includes a pair of endless chains which extend from a pair of sprockets (not shown) at each end of the apparatus through the passageway of housing 11. The sprockets at the inlet end 12 of the passageway are mounted on a shaft 51 that is adjustable in slot 52 of mounting plate 53, through the adjustment of screw 54. Thus the tension in chains 50 may be controlled. Chains 50 are driven by motor 21 through gear box 22 and a conventional chain and sprocket connection. Chains 50 are supported throughout their length on channel members 55 on each side of the housing, as best seen in FIG- URES 2 and 3.

A series of spaced guide bars 23 is mounted to chains 50, as shown in FIGURE 3. For that purpose certain links of chains 50 consist of a flanged link member 56 which is mounted on pin 57. Pin 57 extends through roller 58- of chain 50 in the conventional manner. Guide bars 23 are provided with a mounting plate 59 welded thereto, which is secured to flanged link 56 by connectors 60, best seen in FIGURE 3.

Guide bars 23 function in association with horizontal guide rails 61 and vertical guide rails 62 to convey cartons, C, through the various Washing stations. Guide rails 61 and 62 are best seen in FIGURE 2. They are mounted on a series of spaced horizontal strips 63 which extend between channel members 55. Horizontal guide rails 61 are mounted directly to horizontal strips 63 and extend longitudinally over housing 11. Vertical guide rails 62 are mounted, in the case of the interior guide rails, 0n channel members 65. The external vertical guide rails are mounted on angles 66. Both channel members 65 and angles 66 extend longitudinally of housing 11 and are secured to horizontal strips 63. The horizontal and vertical guide rails define three lanes through housing 11, as best seen in FIGURE 2. Cartons, C, nest loosely in each lane upon horizontal guide rails 61, and between vertical guide rails 62, as shown in FIGURE 2. Guide bars 23 push cartons, C, through each lane when chains 50 are driven by motor 21.

Motor 21 may consist of a HR, 110 volt, 60 cycle, single phase motor. Conveyor means 20, described above,

may be operated at varying speeds, through variable drive 22, to vary the throughput of cartons, C, within the range of 16-76 cartons per minute.

Water circulation system The water circulation system is best understood with reference to FIGURES 1 and 5. Reservoir 17, which has a capacity of 180 US. gallons in the preferred embodiment, serves as a storage tank for the detergent-containing, heated water which is circulated and discharged at Stations One through Four, as described more particularly below. Detergent-containing water in reservoir 17 passes through filter 27, intake line 28, and pump 25 which is driven by motor 26. Pump 25 may be of any conventional design having the capability of maintaining an output pressure of about 40 p.s.i.g. Motor 26 may consist of a 5 HR, 220/440 volt, 60 cycle, 3 phase electric motor.

The main pressure line 29, connected to the discharge port of pump 25, connects with three laterals. Lateral line 70 serves the upper discharge manifold 71 at Station Four. Manifold pressure control valve 72 is placed in line 70 to control the output pressure at Station Four. Lateral 73 serves the uppe rdischarge manifold 74 at Station Two and includes manifold pressure control valve 75. Lateral 76, also connected to main pressure line 29, connects with pressure line 77 which includes pressure control valve 78, which together serve the lower discharge manifold 79 of Station Two. Lateral 76 also connects with pressure line 80 which subdivides into lines 81 and 82. Pressure line 81 includes manifold pressure control valve 83 and serves the lower discharge manifold 84 of Station Four. Line 82 divides into lines 85 and 86. Line 85 includes manifold pressure control valve 87 and serves the discharge manifold 88 at Station Three. Line 86 contains manifold pressure control valve 90 and serves the discharge manifold 91 at Station One. The specific configuration of the discharge manifolds at Stations One through Four and the discharge pressure at each of the stations is described more particularly below.

A screen 30 extends the entire length beneath Station One through Four and serves to collect solid washed from the cartons, C, as the spent detergent containing water passes therethrough on its return to reservoir 17, whereupon it is reheated and recirculated.

Three splash curtains 94, 95, and 96 are disposed at the input side of Station One, between Station Four and Station Five, and at the discharge side of Station Five, respectively. Curtains 94 and 95 serve to confine the detergent containing water to the zone defined by Stations One through Four. In the case of curtain 94, the detergent containing water is prevented from splashing out of the housing 11 and in the case of curtain 95, the wash Water is prevented from contaminating rinse Station Five. Splash curtain 96 prevents the rinse water from splashing out of the housing 11.

Rinse water is supplied to Station Five from a conventional source removed from the apparatus, such as a city water supply. Rinse line 33 divides into two laterals 97 and 98. Lateral 97 includes valve 99 and serves the lower discharge manifold 100 of Station Five. Lateral 98 includes pressure control valve 101 and serves the upper discharge manifold 102 at Station Five. To collect the spent rinse water and discharge it from the unit, a catch basin 103 is disposed beneath Station Five and extends from one side of the housing 11 to the other. Rinse water is therefore prevented from entering reservoir 17 and is discharged to drain and is not recirculated.

The specific configuration of the discharge manifolds at each of the stations (one through five), as well as the discharge pressure at each of the stations, is described more particularly below with reference to the individual stations.

Station One.-Di5charge manifold 91 of Station One consists of two discharge nozzles 105 which extend transversely to the direction of travel of containers, C, above the path thereof. Each of the discharge nozzles 105 includes a plurality of discharge ports (not shown) pointed downwardly toward cartons, C, which pass beneath. Detergent containing water is discharged at Station One at a preferred temperature of 150 degrees F., and a pressure of p.s.i.g.

Station T wo.-The discharge manifold 74 of Station Two connects with six discharge nozzles 106 which extend in parallel spaced relationship in the direction of travel of cartons, C. Discharge nozzles 106 are disposed adjacent the handles of cartons, C, so that each of the handles passes between a pair of discharge nozzles 106. The discharge nozzles 106 contain a plurality of discharge ports (not shown) which direct a stream of liquid downwardly into the interior of the compartments of cartons, C. In the preferred embodiment the detergent containing water is discharged at a temperature of 150 degrees F. and 40 p.s.i.g. Lower discharge nozzle 79 is disposed at Station Two, beneath the path of cartons, C, and extends transversely to the path of cartons C. A series of discharge ports (not shown) is provided in discharge nozzle 79 to discharge water upwardly into contact with the bottom of cartons, C, as best seen in FIGURE 5. Detergent containing water is discharged from nozzle 78 at 40 p.s.i.g.

Station Three.Discharge manifold 88 at Station Three includes three discharge nozzles 107 disposed above cartons, C, and extending transversely to the path thereof. Each discharge nozzle 107 is provided with a series of discharge ports (not shown) extending the length thereof and pointing downwardly to direct a stream of liquid on the cartons which pass beneath. Station Three also includes a bank of four brushes 109 best seen in FIGURES 4 and 5. Brushes 109 are mounted for restrained rotation about a vertical axis. They are disposed so that the bristles thereof engage the sides of cartons, C, as the cartons are conveyed through the apparatus. As brushes 109 engage the vertical sides of cartons, C, they provide an abrasive action, since they do not freely rotate about their vehicle axes, to insure the removal of any dirt not previously washed away.

Station Form-Upper discharge manifold 71 at Station Four is common to eight discharge nozzles 112 best seen in FIGURES 4 and 5. Discharge nozzles 112 are disposed in pairs parallel to the path of travel of cartons, C, with the upper pipes of each pair positioned below the handles of the cartons. Each of the nozzles includes a plurality of discharge ports disposed to direct a stream of water toward the vertical sides of cartons, C. For that purpose the interior discharge nozzles 112 are provided with discharge ports on both sides to thereby direct detergent containing Water in two directions, as best seen in FIGURE 4. A lower discharge nozzle 84, which extends transversely to the path of cartons, C, is also included at Station Four and directs a stream of fluid upwardly through a plurality of discharge ports to clean the bottom of the carton.

The discharge pressure is preferred to be about 25 p.s.i.g. at Station Four and the preferred water temperature, like Stations One through Three, is 150 degrees F.

Station Five.The cartons, C, are rinsed at Station Five. For that purpose upper discharge nozzles 114 are disposed in spaced relationship transversely to and above the path of cartons, C. Lower discharge nozzles 116 are similarly disposed below the path of cartons, C. Each of the nozzles 114 and 116 includes a plurality of spaced discharge ports directed downwardly, in the case of nozzles 114, and upwardly in the case of nozzles 116. Warm tap water is directed over the cartons as the final step in the washing process.

Conventional stop and start switches 120 and 121 are shown in FIGURE 1 and control motor 21 and pump motor 26, respectively.

While the preferred form of the invention employs a straight-line path for the cartons, C, it should be noted that the path may be curved. Thus, for certain situations where space is critical, housing 11 may define a U shaped passageway and the configuration of conveyor system 20 may be curved accordingly. In such an embodiment, the' inlet end and the discharge end of the apparatus may be manned by a single operator at a single work station.

If desired steam may be introduced into the water circulation system, preferably at a point in lateral 76, to thereby inject steam into lower discharge nozzles 79 and 84 at Stations Two and Four, respectively, and upper discharge manifolds 91 and 88 at Stations One and Three, respectively. For that purpose an aspirator may be placed in line 76 for the introduction of steam from a remote source.

Various methods for heating the water in reservoir 17 may be employed. While an electric heating coil is preferred, other means may be used such as a gas or oil burner.

Operation The operation of the invention may be readily understood with reference primarily to FIGURE 5. Switches 120 and 121 are closed to thereby energize conveyor motor 21 and pump motor 26, respectively. Conveyor system 20 is caused to move through the passageway of housing 11 and its speed may be varied as desired to thereby vary the output of cartons, C, within the range of 16-76 cartons per minute (three abreast). Motor 26 drives pump 25 to thereby cause detergent containing water to be discharged at Stations One through Four. Detergent may be added to reservoir 17 by operation of valve 40'. The various manifold pressure control valves 72, 75, 78, 81, 87, and 90 may be adjusted to achieve the desired discharge pressure at Stations One through Four. Cartons, C, are placed in conveyor system 20, three abreast for each guide bar 23, and are conveyed through the passageway of housing 11 as explained above. Rinse water from a remote source enters the unit through valve 32, is heated as it passes through a coil (not shown) submerged in reservoir 17, and then passes upwardly through main rinse line 33 and is discharged at upper manifold 102 and lower manifold 100. The discharge pressure at upper manifold 102 and lower manifold 100 may be controlled by adjusting pressure control valves 101 and 99, respectively. Curtains 94 and 96 serve to contain the detergent containing water within housing 11. Curtain serves to prevent detergent containing water and rinse water from entering Station Five and Station Four, respectively. As cartons, C, enter housing 11 at the inlet end 12, as they pass from Station Fourt to Station Five, and as they leave housing 11 at discharge end 13, curtains 94, 95, and 96, respectively, part and drape themselves around cartons, C, to achieve the desired result. Brushes 109 at Station Three engage the vertical sides of cartons, C, and provide an abrasive action for positive cleaning. Spent discharge water from Stations Two through Four passes through screen 30- and back into reservoir 17 for recirculation. Spent rinse water at Station Five is collected in basin 103 and is discharged from the unit. Throughout the operation water temperature may be thermostatically controlled. The tension in chains 50 of conveyor system 20 may be adjusted through adjustment of screws 54. Covers 35 may be removed for cleaning the passageway in housing 11 as well as the discharge manifolds and nozzles at Stations One through Five.

Having thus described the invention, I claim:

1. An improved apparatus for washing cartons having a plurality of compartments designed to receive and hold soft drink bottles and the like, with the sides and bottom of the cartons and the compartments being integrally formed from plastic materials and having an integral upstanding plastic handle formed thereon, the apparatus comprising: a housing having a tunnel-like passageway therethrough with the passageway being open at both ends thereof; conveyor means positioned along the bottom of said passageway for conveying a plurality of upright cartons from one end of said passageway to the other along a predetermined path of travel at a preselected rate of travel so that the adjacent cartons are not in contact with each other; a liquid reservoir formed in said housing beneath said passageway; a liquid pump positioned beneath said passageway and being arranged so that the inlet of the pump communicates with said reservoir; means in said reservoir for heating the liquid therein; a plurality of separate washing stations positioned within and spaced along said passageway; manifold means positioned at each of the washing stations and connected with the outlet of the pump, each of said manifold means including a plurality of nozzles arranged so as to direct a stream of liquid onto the cartons passing through the passageway with the manifold means and nozzles being positioned and arranged so as to direct the streams of liquid emitted from the nozzles against the sides, bottom and ends of the cartons and into the interior of the compartments in the V cartons wherein the manifold means at at least one washing station includes a pair of pipes that are positioned parallel to the path of travel of the cartons and adjacent to the handles of the cartons so that the handles pass between the pair of pipes, the pair of pipes including a plurality of nozzles arranged to emit streams of liquid into the interior of the compartments of the cartons; a rinse station positioned at the other end of said passageway; rinse manifold means positioned at said rinse station; conduit means connecting said rinse manifold means with a source of rinse liquid; said rinse manifold means including a plurality of nozzles arranged to direct streams of rinse liquid against the sides, ends and bottom of the cartons and into the interior of said compartments.

2. An improved apparatus for washing cartons having a plurality of compartments designed to receive and hold soft drink bottles and the like, with the sides and bottom of the cartons and the compartments being integrally formed from plastic materials and having an integral upstanding plastic handle formed thereon, the apparatus comprising: a housing having a tunnel-like passageway therethrough with the passageway being open at both ends thereof; conveyor means positioned along the bottom of said passageway for conveying a plurality of upright cartons from one end of said passageway to the other along a predetermined path of travel at a preselected rate of travel so that the adjacent cartons are not in contact with each other; a liquid reservoir formed in said housing beneath said passageway; a liquid pump positioned beneath said passageway and being arranged so that the inlet of the pump communicates with/said reservoir; means in said reservoir for heating the liquid therein; a plurality of separate washing stations positioned within and spaced along said passageway; manifold means positioned at each of the washing stations and connected with the outlet of the pump, each of said manifold means including a plurality of nozzles arranged so as to direct a stream of liquid onto the cartons passing through the passageway with the manifold means and nozzles being positioned and arranged so as to direct the streams of liquid emitted from the nozzles against the sides, bottom and ends of the cartons and into the interior of the compartments in the cartons wherein the manifold means at at least one washing station includes two pairs of upper and lower pipes positioned parallel to the path of travel of the cartons with the upper pipes in each of said pairs being positioned below the handles on the cartons, said pairs of pipes including a plurality of nozzles arranged to emit streams of liquid against the sides of the cartons; a rinse station positioned at the other end of said passageway; rinse manifold means positioned at said rinse station; conduit means connecting said rinse manifold means with a source of rinse liquid; said rinse manifold means including a plurality of nozzles arranged to direct streams of rinse liquid against the sides, ends and bottom of the cartons and into the interior of said compartments.

3. An improved apparatus for washing cartons having a plurality of compartments designed toreceive and hold soft drink bottles and the like, with the sides and bottom of the cartons and the compartments being integrally formed from plastic materials and having an integral upstanding plastic handle formed thereon, the apparatus comprising: a housing having a tunnel-like passageway therethrough with the passageway being open at both ends thereof; conveyor means positioned along the bottom of said passageway for conveying a plurality of upright cartons from one end of said passageway to the other along a predetermined path of travel at a preselected rate of travel so that the adjacent cartons are not in contact with each other; a liquid reservoir formed in said housing beneath said passageway; a liquid pump positioned beneath said passageway and being arranged so that the inlet of the pump communicates with said reservoir; means in said reservoir for heating the liquid therein; a plurality of separate washing stations positioned within and spaced along said passageway; manifold means positioned at each of the washing stations and connected with the outlet of the pump, each of said manifold means including a plurality of nozzles arranged so as to direct a stream of liquid onto the cartons passing through the passageway with the manifold means and nozzles being positioned and arranged so as to direct the streams of liquid emitted from the nozzles against the sides, bottom and ends of the cartons and into the interior of the compartments in the cartons wherein each of the manifold means at the washing and rinse stations includes means for controlling the pressure of the streams of liquid emitted from the nozzles therein; a rinse station positioned at the other end of said passageway; rinse manifold means positioned at said rinse station; conduit means connecting said rinse manifold means with a source of rinse liquid; said rinse manifold means including a plurality of nozzles arranged to direct streams of rinse liquid against the sides, ends and bottom of the cartons and into the interior of said compartments wherein said passageway is provided with an open bottom so as to permit communication between said passageway and said reservoir whereby the liquid emitted from the nozzles in the Washing stations is substantially all returned to said reservoir and is filtered by a filtering means positioned between the bottom of said reservoir and the normal liquid level of said reservoir; wherein the manifold means includes a pair of pipes positioned parallel to the path of travel of said cartons and adjacent to the handles thereof so that the handles pass between said pair of pipes with said pair of pipes including a plurality of nozzles arranged to emit streams of liquid into the interior of said compartments; wherein the manifold means also includes two pairs of upper and lower pipes positioned parallel to the path of travel of the cartons with the upper pipe in each of said pairs being positioned below the handles on said cartons and with said pair of pipes including a plurality of nozzles to emit streams of liquid against the sides of the cartons; wherein :a plurality of brushes is positioned in said passageway adjacent to said path of travel of said cartons with the brushes being supported for rotation about vertical axes so that the brushes contact both sides of adjacent cartons as said cartons are conveyed past said brushes; wherein a catch pan is located between the bottom of said passageway and said reservoir so as to underlie said rinse station and prevent the rinse liquid from entering said reservoir; wherein splash curtain means is positioned within said passageway between said rinse station and said washing stations and at each end of said passageway; and wherein said conveyor means consists of an endless conveyor which can be driven at varying speeds and which can convey at least two cartons, side by side, through said passageway.

(References on following page) References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Merseles et al. 134-72 X Morris et a1. 13472 Schroeder 1556 5 Detjen 134-72 X OConnor 1556 Mendenhall et al 13472 1/1962 Huddle 15-56 X 7/1966 Huddle et a1. 13472 1/1968 Weihe et a1. 13472 U.S. Cl. X.R. 

